Welcome to Tanzania
Your East African safari begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your CURAH Africa representative before transferring to your luxury lodge in Arusha. Nestled beneath the slopes of Mount Meru, this vibrant town serves as the gateway to Tanzania’s renowned northern safari circuit.
Spend the afternoon unwinding after your international journey, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, or exploring the beautiful gardens of your lodge. This evening, meet your safari guide for a welcome briefing and an overview of the exciting adventure ahead.
Tomorrow, your journey continues into the spectacular Great Rift Valley and the wildlife-rich landscapes of northern Tanzania.
Suggested Accommodations: Arusha Coffee Lodge • Mount Meru Game Lodge • Rivertrees Country Inn
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Dinner
Lake Manyara & the Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, travel through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park, a remarkably diverse ecosystem known for its lush groundwater forests, open grasslands, and alkaline lake that attracts an abundance of wildlife and birdlife.
Enjoy a leisurely game drive while searching for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, flamingos, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions before continuing into the cool, scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. Rolling coffee plantations and fertile farmland provide a striking contrast to the savannah below.
Arrive at your lodge overlooking one of Africa’s most extraordinary conservation areas, where breathtaking views set the stage for tomorrow’s exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Suggested Accommodations: The Retreat at Ngorongoro • Kitela Lodge • Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge • Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Overnight: Ngorongoro Highlands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Garden of Eden
Rise early for an unforgettable descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Often referred to as the “Garden of Eden,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site supports an astonishing concentration of wildlife within its dramatic natural setting.
Spend the day exploring the crater floor alongside your expert guide in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, black rhino, hippos, hyenas, and countless plains game while enjoying a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Later this afternoon, ascend back to the crater rim and return to your lodge for a relaxing evening overlooking the magnificent highlands.
Suggested Accommodations: The Retreat at Ngorongoro • Kitela Lodge • Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge • Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Overnight: Ngorongoro Highlands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Into the Serengeti
Following breakfast, transfer to the nearby airstrip for a scenic bush flight into the legendary Serengeti National Park. From above, appreciate the vastness of one of Africa’s most celebrated ecosystems before landing in the heart of the wilderness.
Your safari begins immediately with game viewing en route to camp, where wildlife sightings often start within moments of arrival. Depending on the season, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra may share the plains with lions, cheetahs, elephants, and graceful giraffes.
As evening approaches, settle into your luxury safari camp and experience the unforgettable atmosphere of the African bush.
Suggested Accommodations: Lemala Nanyukie • Nyota Luxury Camp • Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp • Four Seasons Safari Lodge • Seasonal Migration Camps
Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Endless Plains of the Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring the remarkable landscapes of Serengeti National Park, where every game drive offers new opportunities to witness Africa’s incredible wildlife. Your guide will tailor the day’s safari around current animal movements and seasonal highlights.
Search for prides of lions, elegant cheetahs, elusive leopards, elephant families, and vast herds of plains game while learning about the delicate balance that has shaped this extraordinary ecosystem for thousands of years.
Between safari activities, return to camp to relax and enjoy the comforts of your luxury accommodations before another spectacular African sunset.
Suggested Accommodations: Lemala Nanyukie • Nyota Luxury Camp • Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp • Four Seasons Safari Lodge • Seasonal Migration Camps
Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Another Day on Safari
Every day in the Serengeti reveals something different. Explore new regions of the park where rivers, granite kopjes, acacia woodlands, and sweeping grasslands create habitats for an astonishing diversity of wildlife.
Whether witnessing dramatic predator interactions, watching elephant families roam the plains, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of the African wilderness, today’s safari promises unforgettable moments around every corner.
Gather around the campfire this evening and reflect on another remarkable day beneath the stars.
Suggested Accommodations: Lemala Nanyukie • Nyota Luxury Camp • Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp • Four Seasons Safari Lodge • Seasonal Migration Camps
Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kenya’s Amboseli National Park
Today, travel north into neighboring Kenya and continue to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the surrounding plains.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive through open grasslands, seasonal wetlands, and acacia forests while searching for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and an impressive variety of birdlife. On clear days, Kilimanjaro provides one of Africa’s most iconic backdrops.
Return to your safari camp this evening to relax beneath Africa’s brilliant night sky.
Suggested Accommodations: Elewana Tortilis Camp • Tawi Lodge • Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge • Ol Tukai Lodge
Overnight: Amboseli National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Amboseli’s Giants
Morning and afternoon game drives provide additional opportunities to explore Amboseli’s unique landscapes and encounter its world-famous elephant families, many of which have been studied for decades.
Between safari activities, enjoy time to learn about the traditions of the Maasai people through an authentic cultural experience that offers insight into one of East Africa’s most recognizable communities.
As the sun sets behind Mount Kilimanjaro, savor another memorable evening surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Suggested Accommodations: Elewana Tortilis Camp • Tawi Lodge • Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge • Ol Tukai Lodge
Overnight: Amboseli National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Mount Kenya & Conservation
Journey north into Kenya’s lush central highlands, where forested landscapes and cool mountain air provide a refreshing change of scenery. Arrive at your elegant lodge near Mount Kenya before visiting the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Africa’s leading wildlife conservation success stories.
Home to the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos, Ol Pejeta also protects black rhino, chimpanzees, and an abundance of East African wildlife while supporting innovative conservation initiatives.
Return to your lodge this evening and enjoy the peaceful surroundings beneath the slopes of Mount Kenya.
Suggested Accommodations: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club • Solio Lodge • Lewa Safari Camp • Loisaba Tented Camp
Overnight: Mount Kenya Region
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highlands & Heritage
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the beautiful Mount Kenya region, where conservation, agriculture, and local communities come together beneath Africa’s second-highest mountain.
Visit the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy or simply enjoy the exceptional amenities of your lodge before continuing your East African adventure tomorrow.
The slower pace of the highlands provides the perfect balance before returning to the excitement of safari in the Maasai Mara.
Suggested Accommodations: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club • Solio Lodge • Lewa Safari Camp • Loisaba Tented Camp
Overnight: Mount Kenya Region
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Into the Maasai Mara
Following breakfast, fly to Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. Upon arrival, your afternoon game drive introduces you to rolling savannahs filled with extraordinary wildlife.
Search for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and countless plains game while your guide shares insights into the remarkable ecosystems that make the Mara famous around the world.
As evening falls, arrive at your luxury safari camp or lodge for another unforgettable night in the African bush.
Suggested Accommodations: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge • Mara Plains Camp • Angama Mara • Karen Blixen Camp • Ilkeliani Camp • Sala’s Camp
Overnight: Maasai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Balloon Safari & the Maasai Mara
Before sunrise, experience one of Africa’s most unforgettable adventures with a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara. Drift silently above the awakening plains before celebrating with a traditional champagne bush breakfast after landing.
Continue exploring the reserve during afternoon game drives, discovering new wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes that have made the Maasai Mara one of the world’s premier safari destinations.
Return to camp for a memorable farewell dinner celebrating an extraordinary East African adventure.
Suggested Accommodations: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge • Mara Plains Camp • Angama Mara • Karen Blixen Camp • Ilkeliani Camp • Sala’s Camp
Overnight: Maasai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Farewell East Africa
Enjoy a final morning in the Maasai Mara before boarding your scheduled flight to Nairobi. Depending on your international departure time, there may be an opportunity for lunch or last-minute shopping before transferring to the airport.
As your safari comes to a close, depart with unforgettable memories of remarkable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and the timeless magic that makes East Africa one of the world’s greatest safari destinations.
Meals: Breakfast
